Writing Memos: Putting It in Practice
1Write a memo up to three paragraphs long for one of the following scenarios. Decide who the memo
should be sent to and what the subject of the message is. Add your own information to the body of
the memo.
2Exchange your memo with a partner and use the checklist below to evaluate each other’s work.
Memo-writing checklist
The memo is written in the proper format (e.g., To, From, Date, Subject, etc.)
The subject line clearly states the purpose of the memo
The first sentence of the memo states the purpose
The message of the memo is clear
Attachments included with the memo are referred to in the body of the memo
There are no grammar, spelling or punctuation errors
Situation 1
You are the office manager and want to remind everyone to clean up after themselves in the lunchroom.
There was recently an infestation of cockroaches. The building has since been fumigated but you still
require the cooperation of staff to prevent a re-infestation.
State the purpose of the memo, your reason(s) for sending it (i.e. the kind of behavior you have noticed)
and what actions you want taken.
Situation 2
You are an administrative assistant. You want to tell 10 people about an upcoming computer training
seminar. You are attaching a brochure about the seminar from the presenter, but you also need to
inform them of the following:
• what the training is for
• who the presenter is, including a brief statement about his/her background
• where the training will be held, including the date and time
• whether or not parking is available
• whether or not lunch and/or any refreshments will be served
Situation 3
Write a memo about a topic of your choice. Tell recipients the purpose of the memo, your reason(s) for
sending it and what action (if any) you want taken. Provide suggestions in your memo if appropriate.
LINC 7 Chapter 2 |Business Writing 213
